Magic's Grant Hill to Sit Out Game Again

Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill was ruled out of Monday's game against the Washington Wizards, and the team was trying to find a way to end the chronic tendinitis in his left ankle.

Hill has had three operations on the ankle since breaking it in 2000 while with the Detroit Pistons. He already had missed six games this season before Monday, including Saturday's 101-95 victory over the Boston Celtics. He also has played 10 minutes or less in three others.

The team will consult with medical specialists this week to find "a light at the end of the tunnel," general manager John Gabriel said Monday.

"We were hoping that the tendinitis that he experiences we could get under control, which really hasn't happened," Gabriel said. "We want to get the docs re-involved in this, now that we're at home for a while, and see if we can find a remedy or a rhythm to all this to get him back on the court."

In 26 games, Hill is averaging 15.6 points on 49.5 percent shooting, with 7.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He started Friday against Memphis but played just four minutes. The Magic's next game is Friday at New Orleans.

"It's a little frustrating because it's up and down," Hill said. "I thought last week was about as up and down as you could get. I felt great early on, then against Memphis.

"We're kind of in uncharted waters, trying to figure out what's the best thing to do."

Hill recently underwent another round of tests, which he has had every two weeks since the start of the season.

"My nickname should be 'Radiation Man,'" Hill quipped. "One more scan, and I'll be glowing."

Going into Monday, Hill had played in 43 of the Magic's 196 regular-season games since signing with Orlando as a free agent in August 2000.